Life Through Ball

In this episode, we sit down with Johnny Kay, the mind behind Versus, to explore where football meets culture. From the power of identity in the modern game to the often-unspoken realities of mental health, Johnny opens up on what it really means to navigate life in and around football today. We dive into how Versus is reshaping storytelling in sport, why culture and community are inseparable from the game, and the pressures that players, creators, and fans carry behind the scenes. This is more than football it’s about people, purpose, and perspective. 🎧 Tune in for an honest, thought-provoking conversation.

In this episode of Life Through Ball, I sit down with renowned football journalist and author Guillem Balagué for a conversation about his journey through the world of football. Known for his work covering some of the biggest names in the game, Guillem shares a perspective that might surprise many fans, football itself was never his true passion. Instead, it has always been storytelling. We discuss how his career developed, the lessons he has learned from decades working around elite football, and how storytelling sits at the heart of the sport. From covering the biggest clubs in the world to writing books and shaping football narratives, Guillem reflects on what the game has taught him about life, identity and purpose. This episode is a deep dive into the human side of football and the stories that shape the game. If you enjoy conversations about football journeys, identity in sport, and the people behind the game, make sure to subscribe to Life Through Ball. Follow Life Through Ball: Follow Life Through Ball: YouTube: @lifethroughball Instagram: @lifethroughball Twitter/X: @lifethroughball Tiktok: @lifethroughball

In this episode of Life Through Ball, we sit down with KK, founder of Proficient Youth Development (@proficientyouthdev), to explore his journey and the reason he built a platform dedicated to supporting young athletes and their parents.We discuss identity beyond performance, the role of parental guidance in youth sport, and where youth development is heading. KK shares why he felt there was a gap in the space and how he is working to change the way players are supported on and off the pitch.A conversation about purpose, responsibility and building something bigger than the game.

In this episode of Life Through Ball, we sit down with Kamil, founder and owner of Euston Lane FC — a football club he started at just 20 years old.We explore the reality of building a club from the ground up — the vision, the challenges, and the responsibility that comes with leading players while still being early in your own journey.From organising fixtures and managing operations to taking his team abroad to face opposition like Rayo Vallecano’s B team, this conversation dives into what it really takes to turn an idea into a footballing project.This is a story about leadership, ambition, and creating opportunities through football — not just playing the game, but building something bigger than yourself.

Football doesn’t always end how you imagine.Injury. Identity. Starting again.In this episode, Sami opens up about his journey through football — moving between Spain and England, battling long-term injury, and navigating the uncertainty that comes when the game stops.This conversation captures exactly what Life Through Ball is about: the parts of football we don’t prepare players for, and the resilience it takes to build a life beyond the pitch.Follow us on all platforms: https://beacons.ai/lifethroughball?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAb21jcAPjQtRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA81NjcwNjczNDMzNTI0MjcAAacc3YnHWXhEeZtq3pWygS7PVA8VX3Db8IpecRpZa2VuGxRZ9Rtotec6XcbM5Q_aem_w1L4hVL8oeGgworWzYnxdw

In this episode of Life Through Ball, Tarek sits down with Kraig McLeod to talk about the realities of football that often get laughed off but rarely spoken about properly. Kraig shares his journey through academy football at QPR and Norwich, the transition into non-leaguee, and the moments that forced him to rethink his relationship with the game. We explore what it really feels like to be released, the identity shift that follows, and how humour became a way to process the harder parts of football life. Now known for his football skits and content that resonate with players who have been or are still on that same journey, Kraig explains why laughing through it all became his coping mechanism and creative outlet. This conversation goes beyond football careers and into identity, resilience, mental health and finding your voice when the game does not go to plan. A real and honest conversation about life through football.Follow Kraig: https://www.instagram.com/_1kmac?igsh=ZzJ5NnVveG82MTdthttps://www.tiktok.com/@1kmac_?_r=1&_t=ZN-93EwYngBjFOFollow Life Through Ball on all platforms:https://beacons.ai/lifethroughball

Firstly, I want to acknowledge the gap for audio listeners and say thank you for your patience. Life happens, growth takes time, and I really appreciate everyone who has stayed connected during this period.Welcome to the Season 2 finale of Life Through Ball.This season has been a journey. We explored the game beyond the pitch through conversations around player care, coaching, media, analysis, identity, and the human stories that sit behind football. It’s taken the platform deeper than ever into the lives of the people who shape the game, often away from the spotlight.In this episode, I reflect on the defining moments, lessons, and themes that shaped Season 2, and share why now feels like the right time to close this chapter.This finale also marks an important transition.Life Through Ball represents an evolution of the platform. A return to the heart of why this started in the first place: using football as a lens to explore life, identity, culture, and personal journeys. The game remains the constant, but the conversations are widening.Season 3 builds on everything that’s come before, with a clearer focus, deeper storytelling, and voices that reflect football in all its complexity.Thank you for being part of the journey so far. Season 3 is just getting started, and there’s a lot more to come.https://www.youtube.com/@lifethroughball

In this episode I sit down with Daniel Geey, one of the leading sports lawyers in football. We talk about his journey into the industry, how he found his path, and the steps that led him to working on some of the biggest deals in the game. Daniel also gives clear insight into how football contracts actually work, what really happens during a transfer, and the legal challenges that shape the modern game. This is a look behind the curtain at a side of football most fans never get to see. A conversation about ambition, opportunity, and the business of sport. Much love and welcome to Life Through Sport.

In this episode, I sit down with Theo Brown — former academy footballer turned entrepreneur — to talk about his journey through football, resilience, and finding purpose beyond the game. From chasing the dream as a young player to building his own business, Theo shares honest insights about life in and after football, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and how the mindset developed in sport can fuel success in any field. This is a real and reflective conversation about transition, growth, and redefining what “making it” means.Check out our guest: https://www.theobrownonline.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/theo-brow... #LifeInSport #entrepreneur #tech #business #football #footballshorts #PersonalGrowth #Podcast

Hugo Scheckter “the godfather of player care” has worked across multiple Premier League clubs including West Ham United, Southampton, and Brentford, gaining extensive first-team experience along the way. He’s since used his experience and network to found The Player Care Group, where he runs a course for people looking to break into the world of player care. Hugo also works as a consultant with clubs around the world, helping them improve their player welfare structures and overall player care practice. In this episode we were able to talk about:⚽ His journey through football and the lessons along the way🧠 The different areas that make up Player Care💬 The importance of personal life, balance, and well-being beyond the pitchA really open and valuable conversation with someone who’s helped shape the way modern clubs look after their players.

S2 EP8 | Beyond Grenfell: How Football Became a Beacon of Hope ft Paul Menacer Our most personal episode yet. Paul Menacer — manager of Grenfell Athletic and survivor of the Grenfell fire — opens up about loss, resilience, and how football and community helped him rebuild. Paul’s story reminds us that even in the darkest moments, there’s always a way forward. 🎧 Watch / Listen / Connect 👉 Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or just curious about the hidden side of sport, this conversation is packed with insight. Check out our guest:https://grenfellathletic.co.uk/https://www.instagram.com/p.menacer?i...https://www.instagram.com/grenfellath... DOCUMENTARYhttps://www.discoveryplus.com/gb/en/m...Transcript

S2 EP8 | Football Academies Are Broken: The Truth No One Wants to Admit ft Dr Chris Platts In this episode of Life in Sport, Dr Chris Platts draws on over 10 years of research across 300 players to challenge our assumptions about success in football. He argues that the academy system is broken, and shares what his work has revealed about who “makes it”—and why most don’t. 👉 Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or just curious about the hidden side of sport, this conversation is packed with insight. Check out our guest: https://www.chrisplatts.co.uk/https://www.linkedin.com/in/drchrispl...- / @dr_chris_platts #LifeInSport #entrepreneur #tech #technology #football #footballshorts #PersonalGrowth #Podcast #manchesterunited

🎙️ Sam Holden | Life in Sport Podcast From the academy system at Manchester United to building his own sports psychology company, Sam Holden has experienced both the highs and challenges of life in football. In this episode, Sam opens up about his academy journey, the mental battles players face, and why he created Unlock Performance — a platform making sports psychology more affordable and accessible for athletes at every level. We talk about identity, resilience, and the lessons Sam has carried from his playing days into his career as a founder supporting others. 👉 Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or just curious about the hidden side of sport, this conversation is packed with insight. Check out our guest: https://www.unlockperformance.app/about-ushttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sampholden/- -

In this episode, I sit down with Jess Simnett, who shares her journey from the England setup to Alliance FC in Dubai. We talk about the challenges that shaped her, the shifts in perspective along the way, and how sport continues to influence her story beyond the pitch.Check out our guest: - - - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-simnett-635190157?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app#LifeInSport #entrepreneur #women #womensports #duabifootball #femalesports #PersonalGrowth #Podcast #SportsEducation

In this episode of the Life In Sport Podcast, I sit down with Budreya Faisal, founder and owner of Banaat FC, a pioneering football club based in Dubai that is empowering young women and building a global community around sport.We spoke about her journey, the importance of representation, and how Banaat FC is creating a space for women to express their abilities and identities on and off the pitch.This is a powerful conversation about football, culture, and empowerment — and why sport can be such a driving force for change.

New episode of the Life in Sport Podcast! I’m joined by Ben Pringle, a former EFL midfielder with a 14-year career at clubs like Derby, Rotherham and Preston. ⚽ We dive into the highs and challenges of life as a professional footballer, his transition out of the league, and what inspired his move to Dubai. 🌍 If you're into football, career journeys or life transitions — this one’s for you. 🎧 https://linktr.ee/lispod?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAae_sNJ1Jmlv4aBplvQ3IwwJLv7wF6ZESGgp90jCQzr9RFWjFerRUWWPfAUWGg_aem_xKuzyVozuy8V3a2Hn1V-rQCheck out our guest: https://www.instagram.com/benpringle1... / ben-pringle-9663aa18b utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app https://www.instagram.com/uaefootball... https://www.tiktok.com/@uaefootballne...

In this episode, I sat down with Temisan Williams, an experienced academy coach who’s worked with some of London’s biggest clubs, including Arsenal, Tottenham, Fulham, and Southend United. With over 700 elite academy players coached, Temisan brings a wealth of insight and experience into youth development.He’s also the founder of the Coach Accelerator Community, where he supports coaches across the world in breaking into the professional game through proven development strategies and personal growth.We spoke about: ✅ His journey into coaching✅ Key lessons from working in elite academies✅ Building your coaching identity✅ How to support players beyond the pitch✅ The power of clarity, consistency, and coaching communitiesThis one’s full of wisdom for anyone interested in coaching, personal development, or making a real impact in sport.Check out our guest:https://www.linkedin.com/in/temisan-williams-msc-bsc-83a40931?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_apphttps://x.com/Coach_Temisan?t=Zjh6UjIg1EhssniibCVFzw&s=08https://www.instagram.com/coach_temisan?igsh=anJsbmkyNmdqdGU5#LifeInSport #CoachingJourney #YouthDevelopment #FootballCoaching #AcademyLife #CoachSupport #PersonalGrowth #Podcast #SportsEducation

In today's episode T sits down with one half of the Mates with Mics Podcast Paul Williams. Paul is an advocate for the holistic development of young people and players and a current compliance officer. He is extremely passionate about Player Care especially after his own experiences in the Academy set up and how that part of his journey has shaped him.